Bessemer's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Bessemer, Alabama, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Quiet Hours

Bessemer regulates noise under its general nuisance provisions in the Code of Ordinances. Alabama state law (Ala. Code §13A-11-7) provides a baseline disorderly conduct standard (Class C misdemeanor). Municipal authority to regulate noise derives from Ala. Code §11-45-1.

Key details: Local Code: Bessemer Code of Ordinances. State Law: Ala. Code §13A-11-7 (disorderly conduct). Municipal Authority: Ala. Code §11-45-1. Enforcement: Bessemer Police Department.

First offense: $100 to $250 typical. Repeat: up to $500. Ala. Code §13A-11-7 disorderly conduct: Class C misdemeanor, up to 3 months jail and $500 fine.

Barking Dogs

Bessemer Code Chapter 14 (Animals) addresses animal-related nuisances. Persistent barking dogs constitute a nuisance under the city ordinance and state law. Alabama municipalities have authority to regulate animals under Ala. Code §11-45-1 and §11-40-10.

Key details: Ordinance: Chapter 14 (Animals). State Authority: Ala. Code §11-45-1, §11-40-10. Nuisance Standard: General nuisance provisions apply. Enforcement: Bessemer Police Department.

Warning first. Nuisance finding: $100 to $500. Daily fines for non-compliance. Court-ordered remediation possible.

Construction Hours

Bessemer regulates construction noise through building permit conditions and the general nuisance ordinance. Construction activities are expected during normal business hours. The city enforces the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) suite.

Key details: Building Code: 2015 IBC suite. Typical Hours: Normal business hours. Permit Required: Yes, building permit before construction. Contact: Building Dept., 1700 3rd Ave N.

First offense: $250 typical. Stop-work orders for egregious violations. Repeat: up to $1,000.

The Bottom Line

Bessemer's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bessemer is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Bessemer can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.